NBA suspends Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace for 7 games – NBA Update
The NBA has taken disciplinary action against Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace. World Peace will be suspended for 7 games, only 1 of which is remaining in the regular season. The league responded strongly to his act of violence against James
Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a statement in this regard, saying that Metta’s action was reckless and dangerous.
"The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area," Stern said in a statement. "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety
of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations."
During an encounter between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder World Peace made a slam dunk and on his return smashed his elbow into the side of Harden’s head. The Oklahoma City player collapsed to the floor following his vicious attack and
suffered a concussion.
Harden has still not recovered from the blow. Metta’s strange act did not end there, as he put his fists up when confronted by OKC players following the incident. It was only at the intervention of the officials that a full brawl was prevented from breaking
out.
The Lakers forward has not since answered the media’s questions, choosing to issue a statement instead. So bizarre was his conduct that none of his teammates is ready to come to his defence either. When Lakers super star Kobe Bryant was approached regarding
the matter, he did not have an explanation and asked the reporters to talk to World Peace directly.
"It's hard to get into a guy's head and know exactly what happened in that situation," Bryant said. "I haven't really spoken to him about it. You've really got to ask him."
The player, who was formerly known as Ron Artest, has a history of violent conduct on the court. He was once involved in a confrontation with fans and was subsequently banned.
His current 7 game ban could cost him around $348,000 in salary. It will also keep him out of at least most of the Lakers first round playoff series. If the Lakers finish off the series in less than 6 games, the suspension will be carried over to the next
round.
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